Did the New Orleans Pelicans Turn the Lights Out on Los Angeles Lakers' Season?
The Lakers refused to turn the lights on for the Pelicans shootaround in the Crypto.com arena earlier in the day. Coach Willie Green said it petty move gave the Pelicans extra motivation for Friday night's game. It seems appropriate that the Pels victory may have turned the lights out on the Lakers' season.
PELICANS SWEEP THE LAKERS
The clock struck zero, and the usually stoic Pelicans coach Willie Green let out a scream on his way to the locker room. It was probably the most emotion we've seen from Green all season long! He watched his young Pelicans team waltz into Hollywood, turn the lights off on LeBron's show, and sweep the Lakers 114-111.
The game was a "must-win" for the Lakers as they battle the San Antonio Spurs for the final play-in spot. Anthony Davis returned to the lineup after sitting for 18 games. LeBron James suited-up after missing a pair of games from a bum ankle.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) as he drives to the basket in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lake Show gave New Orleans their best shot, but a resilient Pelicans team rebounded with a huge response in the final minutes.
The game was nip-tuck most of the night where neither team had more than a 6-point lead in 13 lead changes, and 15 ties.
The Pels and Lakers were knotted at 50 going into halftime after the refs removed 2 points from the Pelicans when they deemed a dunk was too late before the shot clock expired.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 18 first half points as he continued his stellar play since arriving in February.
Apr 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after he was called for a foul in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Again, the Pelicans struggled from the three-point line. They made 7 of 26 (26%) attempts in shooting from downtown. New Orleans made up for missing 3 pointers with an outstanding 25 of 29 free throws executed, including key charity points down the stretch.
Jonas Valanciunas once again was solid, notching his 50th double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds. He is second in the league in double-doubles this season, only trailing Nikola Jokic'.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans in the 2nd half, scoring 23 of his points in the 3rd and 4th quarters. The Pelicans needed every one of them as LeBron came out aggressive after halftime, scoring 21 points in the 3rd quarter alone en route to his game-high 38 points on the night.
Former Pelican Anthony Davis finished the game with 23 points and 12 rebounds in his return, but the definite story of the night was the Pelicans' poise down the stretch.
The Lakers led by 5 points with just over 5 minutes to go in the game before the Pelicans rallied off a 13-4 run over the next 3 minutes.
Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, played like superstars down the stretch for New Orleans. B.I. hit two clutch jumpers and C.J. made a pair of free throws with under 10 seconds to go, pushing the Pelicans' lead to 3.
Apr 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) and center Jonas Valanciunas (17) as he drives to the basket in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelicans defense forced LeBron James to mail an airball for the potential game-tying shot at the buzzer. He missed, and the Pelicans completed the Lakers-sweep for 2021-22.
The Pelicans sit two games over the Spurs with five games remaining. They will stay in L.A. for a Sunday evening tilt against the Clippers before wrapping their road trip against Sacramento on Tuesday. Two of the Pelicans' final three games will be at home to end their season.
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